Middleton Hall’s annual Christmas Fair proved a festive hit, raising more than £500 for St Theresa’s Hospice in Darlington.

Residents, families and visitors flocked to the popular event to enjoy a packed programme of seasonal activities. Local stallholders offered handmade crafts and Christmas treats, alongside plenty of festive fun and games.

Families made the most of a woodland walk created by the Middleton Hall Estates team, which featured a trail of interactive reindeers leading to Santa’s Grotto, where Father Christmas was on hand to hear Christmas wishes.

The village’s Orangery Bistro reported brisk trade throughout the day providing refreshments for fairgoers.

Adam Wardale, Middleton Hall Retirement Village’s Operations Director said the event was a huge success.

“This event marks the start of our Christmas events calendar and our teams worked so hard to create what was a really special day for everyone. A big thank you to them and to everyone who came along to support the event.

“Our tombola in support of St Theresa’s Hospice sold out in record time and we are absolutely delighted to have raised such an impressive sum.”

The event is the first in a busy series of events taking place for residents, families and visitors over the Christmas and New Year period.

Bookings are now being taken for a selection of special festive dining events created by The Orangery Bistro’s resident chef, Mark Bennett.

Throughout December and into the New Year, visitors can enjoy everything from Festive Afternoon Teas to a traditional Christmas Day lunch with a refined twist and a fine-dining New Year’s Day lunch menu. For families a Breakfast with Santa event is taking place on 23 December. To see the menus click HERE